NASCAR honors Memorial Day in unique and fitting way

(Photo: Greg Engle)

 

(Photo: Greg Engle)
(Photo: Greg Engle)

As a military veteran I have witnessed many tributes to those who have sacrificed their all in defense of American freedom.  Many of these tributes have come from varied places; sadly I have also buried and honored several comrades during the 23 years I spent in uniform.

While I remember my Warrior Brothers nearly every day, Memorial Day has always been a special one.  It’s a day when we all take time to honor and remember those who cashed in the blank check every service member signs when we raise our hands and swear to defend our Constitution against all enemies.  That blank check signifies that we are prepared to give everything we have, up to and including our very life, so America can remain free.  Every Memorial Day we remember those who have cashed that check; heroes who will never again feel the hug of their child, the love of their spouse, the warm sun on their cheek or hear the tributes on Memorial Day.

For me Memorial Day used to be a sad day, a day spent in mourning and reverence of those who were gone. But a few years ago I began to wonder how I would want to be remembered by those I left behind. I realized that I wouldn’t want people to be sad; I would want them to celebrate the freedom that so many sacrificed everything for.  I would want them to gather with friends and family, drink a beer or two, or three, have fun. MORE>>>

Greg Engle
About Greg Engle 7421 Articles
Greg is a published award winning sportswriter who spent 23 years combined active and active reserve military service, much of that in and around the Special Operations community. Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.